Anchorage Museum’s Chief Curator Receives Marica Vilcek Prize in Art History
**Francesca Du Brock: Championing Art, Inclusion, and Environmental Justice Through Curatorial Excellence**
Francesca Du Brock, the chief curator of the Anchorage Museum, has been recognized with the prestigious 2025 Marica Vilcek Prize in Art History for her groundbreaking contributions to the field of curatorial practice. The Vilcek Prize, which celebrates immigrant contributions to the arts and sciences, recognizes Du Brock’s innovative, inclusive, and community-focused approach to exhibition curation. As an educator and artist, Du Brock has spent her career amplifying underrepresented voices and exploring the intersections of art, culture, and environmental justice.
### A Vision Rooted in Place and People
“A strong relationship to people and place animates and inspires all that I do,” says Du Brock, whose work is deeply influenced by her environment and community. Her curatorial philosophy is centered on social engagement, place-based storytelling, and a commitment to addressing urgent issues like environmental and social justice. A lifelong Alaskan, Du Brock brings a unique perspective to curation, treating it as an exercise in collective care and collaboration.
Her exhibitions are known not only for their striking visual appeal but also for their ability to spark conversations about interconnectedness, caretaking, and survival—critical topics in today’s rapidly shifting world.
### The Landmark Exhibition: *How to Survive*
Du Brock’s recent exhibition, *How to Survive*, exemplifies her holistic curatorial approach. Spanning an impressive 7,500 square feet, the exhibition featured the works of 16 women and nonbinary artists alongside Alaska Native cultural belongings and a thoughtfully designed materials library. Developed as an expansion of an earlier show on northern feminism, *How to Survive* delved deep into themes of survival through collective care, empathy, and resilience.
The exhibition wove together several layers of meaning, drawing from Indigenous knowledge, feminist perspectives, and community-based art practices. By incorporating diverse voices and showcasing how art can foster care and listening, Du Brock created a space for visitors to reflect on the shared struggles and triumphs of humanity. The forthcoming catalog, edited by Du Brock, further explores these themes, ensuring the exhibition’s impact endures well beyond its physical presence.
### Collaboration and Inclusivity at the Forefront
One of Du Brock’s most celebrated attributes as a curator is her commitment to collaboration. She views her role not just as a facilitator of artistic expression but as a bridge-builder between artists, communities, and audiences. Her exhibitions often serve as a platform for underrepresented voices, highlighting the work of women, nonbinary individuals, and Indigenous creators. By prioritizing diversity and inclusivity, Du Brock ensures that the stories told through her exhibitions resonate with a broad spectrum of viewers.
### Environmental Justice Through Art
Du Brock’s work also takes a principled stand on environmental justice, a topic of critical importance in Alaska, where communities are on the frontlines of climate change. Her exhibitions often explore the deep interconnections between people, nature, and culture, encouraging sustainable practices and promoting greater awareness of environmental issues. *How to Survive* is a shining example of this, as it ties survival—both personal and collective—to our responsibility toward the natural world.
### Recognition and Legacy
Receiving the 2025 Marica Vilcek Prize in Art History cements Francesca Du Brock’s status as a visionary in the field. The award recognizes her ability to redefine the role of a curator as not merely an organizer of exhibitions, but as a storyteller, educator, and advocate for social change. By blending artistry with a strong sense of responsibility to community and place, Du Brock exemplifies the transformative power of art in addressing the challenges of our time.
### The Future of Curation
As Francesca Du Brock continues her work at the Anchorage Museum and beyond, her contributions serve as a powerful reminder of the essential role that art and culture play in shaping our understanding of the world. Whether through exhibitions like *How to Survive* or her ongoing commitment to collaboration and equity, Du Brock’s work inspires us to reimagine curation—not as a solitary act, but as a collective journey toward greater understanding and care.
For more details about Francesca Du Brock and her groundbreaking work, visit [vilcek.org](https://bit.ly/4jCTaxk).